Chris Hurst's campaign was backed by gun-control groups, but that wasn't his main campaign issue

Published Nov 8, 2017 at 8:25 AM

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In this Aug. 27, 2015, file photo, WDBJ-TV anchor Chris Hurst, right, hugs meteorologist Leo Hirsbrunner during the early morning newscast in Roanoke, Va.. Hurst was the boyfriend of Alison Parker, who was killed during a live broadcast in Moneta.

A former Virginia news anchor whose girlfriend was fatally shot during a live broadcast in 2015 has defeated a Republican incumbent for a seat in the House of Delegates.

Hurst was living with fellow journalist Alison Parker when she and a cameraman were killed by a former co-worker while reporting for WDBJ-TV.

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After the shooting, Hurst became the public face of the grieving Roanoke station, bringing national attention and a large social media following. The Pennsylvania native quit his TV job and moved to Blacksburg to run in the 12th District.

Hurst's campaign was backed by gun-control groups, but that wasn't his main campaign issue. Instead, he focused on education, health care and the environment.